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On Tuesday, ESPN.com debuted its 2011 Power Rankings. The Green Bay Packers ranked No. 1 overall, receiving the top vote of every panelist but one. AFC North blogger James Walker placed the Philadelphia Eagles in the top spot, inadvertently starting what could be a season-long debate: Did the Eagles' free agent acquisitions push them ahead of the Packers as the top team in the NFC?

From what I can tell, most Packers players are amused by such public conversations. One, however, is having none of it. During an interview with WSSP-1250 in Milwaukee, Finley said "I ain't worrying about all that." Via sportsradiointerviews.com, Finley added: "Like I said, all that talk with the Eagles and the Saints if you want, that will come to a halt I guarantee you."

Finley was also asked about calling the Eagles a "Dream Team," comments that have been associated with fellow Texas Longhorn Vince Young, now the Eagles' backup quarterback.

"Ah man, that's just talk," Finley said. "That's on paper. VY is a backup, I don't think he should be doing too much talking. But at the same time, that's just on paper."

Finley will get a quick chance to prove his statement partially accurate in the Sept. 8 season opener against the Saints. A matchup with the Eagles? Unfortunately, that can't happen until the playoffs.

In assessing the damage already done during the NFL lockout, ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton identifies an NFC North team that rhymes with Rinnesota Rikings as the most stricken in the NFL. Clayton on the Minnesota Vikings:

The Vikings have a deadly combination of going with a new head coach (Leslie Frazier) and a new quarterback (Christian Ponder). It helps a little that Frazier was the interim coach last season, so it shouldn't take much time to get the defense up to speed.

That can't be said of the offense. Ponder had only a brief meeting with new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave and is having to learn the playbook on his own. He's thinking of getting a couple of his wide receivers together for some throwing sessions in Florida, but there is another problem. Minneapolis, like Green Bay and Buffalo, is not an offseason home for most of the players. Warmer climates such as Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas and New Orleans have significant edges because they can get three dozen players together without difficulty.

Training in Houston, Adrian Peterson, for example, has spent more time with Vince Young -- who won't be a Viking -- than Ponder. Trying to pull all of this together without an offseason program will be tough. The longer this lockout goes, the more the Vikings will suffer.

None of this is a surprise, nor is it particularly the Vikings' fault. Their transition in two key areas -- the head coach and quarterback -- has intersected with a labor dispute that limits the reasonable progress of both.

Frazier has responded gamely, saying in March: "The fact that all the other teams are operating under the same system -- I don't feel I'm at a disadvantage than the fact that I'm so familiar with our team and what our needs are and how we have to approach things. As long as the other 31 teams are operating under the same rules, I'm all right with it. I think we'll be fine."

The reality is Frazier signed a three-year contract in December and has already lost the offseason for one of those seasons. Take that for what you will.

I've always been the first to admit that I've never paid much attention to "Madden" or any other video game, but I've been surprised at how passionate many of you are about NOT wanting Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers or Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson to win ESPN.com's bracket-style competition for the cover of "Madden 12." Both players have advanced to the second round of the event.

"The Curse" is in your head.

Nevertheless, wrote @TeeJayV via Twitter, "Just no reason to chance it. Keep @AaronRodgers12 off of it!"

Rodgers, for his part, tweeted last week that it is "hard not to want" the Madden cover.

I suppose this will become a bigger issue for us if Rodgers and/or Peterson advance to the finals next month. But courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information, via NFC South colleague Pat Yasinskas, here are the basics of the so-called "Madden Curse."

• Madden 11: Drew Brees: Threw for 4,620 yards but also set a career high with 22 interceptions. Started 16 games despite persistent reports of a knee injury.
• Madden 10: Troy Polamalu/Larry Fitzgerald: Polamalu only played five games because of knee injuries, Steelers missed playoffs; Fitzgerald wasn’t affected much (97 receptions, 1,092 yards, 13 TDs, Pro Bowl).
• Madden 9: Brett Favre: Feuded with Packers, traded to Jets, horrible down the stretch (lost 4 of last 5).
• Madden 8: Vince Young: Missed 1 game with quad injury; led Titans to first playoff appearance in four years.
• Madden 7: Shaun Alexander: Fractured foot, missed six games; fewer yards and TDs in '06 AND '07 than in '04 OR '05.
• Madden 6: Donovan McNabb: Sports hernia in first game, missed seven games; feuded with Terrell Owens all year; had been to five straight Pro Bowls, hasn't been since.
• Madden 5: Ray Lewis: Broke wrist, missed one game; first season without interception; missed 10 games next year with thigh injury.
• Madden 4: Michael Vick: Fractured fibula one day after video game was released, missed 11 games; Pro Bowl next 2 seasons; obvious issues since then.
• Madden 3: Marshall Faulk: Ankle injury, missed two games, never rushed for 1,000 yards.
• Madden 2: Daunte Culpepper: 4-7 record before season-ending knee injury.
• Madden 2001: Eddie George: Career season, but fumbled in playoffs as top-seeded Titans lost first game to Ravens.
• Madden 2000: Barry Sanders: Retired one week before training camp.

With two of our teams set to play Sunday for the NFC Championship Game, our other two teams have gotten the short shrift in recent weeks. I received your ideas for coverage of the Detroit Lions via Twitter the other day, and fortunately we have an entire offseason to discuss both the Lions and Minnesota Vikings to our hearts' content.

One issue merits near-immediate attention, however. A number of factors have conspired to make the Vikings a trendy landing spot for soon-to-be-former Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young. Among them:

1. The Vikings have no established starter on their roster, and coach Leslie Frazier has made clear the position must be addressed this offseason.
2. Frazier hired longtime friend Craig Johnson as his quarterbacks coach. Johnson was the Titans' running backs coach in 2010 but before that served as Young's position coach.
3. Johnson had nothing but positive things to say about Young during an interview with The Tennessean. Johnson noted that assistant coaches don't get involved in personnel moves, but added: "Obviously I have a good working relationship with Vince, and he produced pretty well under me."

At this point, we shouldn't rule out any possibility. Frazier just completed assembling his staff, and I don't think the Vikings have mapped out a concrete direction for the offseason yet.

Ultimately, it's probably more coincidental than purposeful that Frazier chose Johnson as his quarterbacks coach. This isn't college basketball recruiting, where you offer a scholarship to the player and a job to the AAU coach. There are too many variables involved in hiring an assistant coach solely in anticipation of acquiring one of his former players.

The big question will be whether Frazier wants to tie his career to a talented but often-troubled quarterback whose team has given up on him. Young could obviously use a change of scenery, but Frazier would face a steep risk-reward decision that could define his tenure.

Young recently sat down with ESPN's Marcellus Wiley, saying he will be an "elite quarterback in the NFL" and hopes that his next team won't hold his previous mistakes against him. We're a long way from there when it comes to the Vikings, but Johnson's arrival at least gives us reason to pause and discuss the possibility.

» NFC High Energy: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

A look at a player who gave his team a significant boost in Week 4.

Detroit Lions quarterback Shaun Hill put up the third 300-yard game of his career Sunday afternoon, but his total of 331 yards took a historic back seat to his 53-yard rushing effort. Included in that total was a 40-yard run that conjured memories of his days as a high school option quarterback who also ran a fair amount at the University of Maryland.

Hill’s 40-yard run was the longest by a Lions quarterback in 26 years and one of only three 40-plus-yard runs by an NFL quarterback in the past four seasons. He took advantage of a man-to-man defense in the back end, and a Packers defensive stunt on the front end, to dash 25 yards down the middle of the field before a nifty cutback garnered him another 15.

Since the start of the 2007 season, here are the four longest runs by an NFL quarterback:

• 44: Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans in 2009
• 40: Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007
• 40: Shaun Hill of the Detroit Lions in 2010
• 38: Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens in 2008

Here’s a new NFC North blog rule: Every time one of our quarterbacks dashes 40 yards in a game, whether he’s 40 years old, 30, 27 or 26, he is automatically and without fail our High Energy Player of the Week.

	Getty Images
	Will the Detroit Lions choose Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford (left) or Alabama tackle Andre Smith with the No. 1 pick? Or could it be someone else?

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

The situation begins to focus this week. At some point, Detroit officials will find themselves face-to-face with Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. They'll size up Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith. They'll get a better sense for the handful of blue-chip players who could be the No. 1 overall pick of a draft that as of Tuesday is 67 days away.

The Lions are approaching a franchise-altering decision: Because of their 0-16 record in 2008, they will have their choice of any college player in the nation. There are no obstacles, no reasons to cross their fingers and no "if-then" scenarios to consider. It's the rarest of opportunities, even for a team with the Lions' recent history. In fact, nearly 30 years have passed since the Lions last owned the No. 1 pick.

	NFL.com Video
	An inside look at how three players are preparing for the 2009 scouting combine.

(For the historically minded: Running back Billy Sims, 1980.)

The top pick annually carries a combination of opportunity and fear. You can choose anyone -- so don't make a mistake.

Occasionally, the choice is obvious. In 2001, for example, few people faulted the Atlanta Falcons for targeting Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick. Sometimes there is a handful of players who seem equally worthy. In 2007, you could have made an argument for LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell, Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson or Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas at No. 1.

Then there are years when it seems no one might be qualified. Wouldn't it be the Lions' luck if that were the case in 2009? Media analysts have tabbed Stafford as the likeliest overall pick because he is the top quarterback prospect, but that might not have been the case had Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford not returned to Oklahoma. The Lions must determine whether Stafford is worthy of the No. 1 pick -- or if, like Utah's Alex Smith (2005) and Fresno State's David Carr (2002) before him -- he's merely the best quarterback in the draft.

If it's the latter, where would the Lions turn? Would it be Smith, whom Alabama coach Nick Saban kicked off the team last season? Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree? (The Lions history with drafting wide receivers works against Crabtree in this case.) Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry? Or would they trade the pick altogether?

With the annual scouting combine set to commence later this week in Indianapolis, let's take a closer look at the Lions' options. The Lions, after all, aren't just deciding whom to select. They must determine when they want to pick as well.

The franchise quarterback

Scouts Inc. Top 10 Player Year Pos. School 1. Michael Crabtree So. WR Texas Tech 2. Aaron Curry Sr. OLB Wake Forest 3. B.J. Raji Sr. DT Boston Coll. 4. Eugene Monroe Sr. OT Virginia 5. Matthew Stafford Jr. QB Georgia 6. Jason Smith Sr. OT Baylor 7. Malcolm Jenkins Sr. CB Ohio State 8. Mark Sanchez Jr. QB USC 9. Andre Smith Jr. OT Alabama 10. Vontae Davis Jr. CB Illinois Mel Kiper Top 10 Player Year Pos. School 1. Michael Crabtree So. WR Texas Tech 2. Aaron Curry Sr. LB Wake Forest 3. Andre Smith Jr. OT Alabama 4. Matthew Stafford Jr. QB Georgia 5. Mark Sanchez Jr. QB USC 6. Jason Smith Sr. OT Baylor 7. Malcolm Jenkins Sr. CB Ohio State 8. Eugene Monroe Sr. OT Virginia 9. Jeremy Maclin So. WR Missouri 10. B.J. Raji Sr. DT Boston College

Even at this early date in the draft season, it seems clear that 2009 is not a banner year for so-called "blue-chip" quarterbacks. ESPN.com analyst Todd McShay has four underclassmen at the top of his quarterback rankings: USC's Mark Sanchez, Kansas State's Josh Freeman and Ball State's Nate Davis. The senior class of quarterbacks, McShay notes, "ranks among the worst in NFL draft history."

This set of circumstances has several implications for the Lions. Historically, underclassman quarterbacks are less likely to develop into NFL stars. That inherently makes Stafford a more difficult and potentially riskier prospect to evaluate. But conversely, it means the Lions will have less to choose from if they bypass him and target a lesser-known quarterback lower in the draft.

(The wild-card might be USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, who hasn't generated much No. 1-pick buzz. Sanchez could change that if he decides to work out fully at the combine, as has been reported.)

Knowing they need to address the quarterback position in some way, the Lions have been working for months to evaluate the lower portions of the class. Starting with the combine, they'll be able to address the Stafford question more directly. Stafford isn't expected to work out, following a long-h
eld pattern of top quarterback prospects, but he will be scheduled to conduct interviews with team officials.

How smart is he? Does he display leadership attributes? What about his character? Those are questions the Lions can begin answering at the combine.

The fallback
If drafted No. 1 overall, Stafford figures to exceed the $30 million in guaranteed money that Miami gave offensive tackle Jake Long last year as the top pick in the draft. If anything concerns the Lions about Stafford's physical or mental makeup, they will have to consider possible fallback options to minimize the financial risk.

The Dolphins took that path with Long, opting for a talented but grounded player who could fill a hole for the next decade. In doing so, Miami passed over Virginia defensive end Chris Long, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan and Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden, among other higher-risk but potentially higher-reward choices.

Houston followed a similar pattern in 2006, tapping NC State defensive end Mario Williams rather than a pair of offensive playmakers: USC tailback Reggie Bush and Texas quarterback Vince Young.

Does a "safe" pick exist for the Lions at No. 1? Could it be Curry? What about Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji, who would fill a tremendous need and probably accept less guaranteed money than Stafford? Those questions, too, the Lions will explore in Indianapolis.

The trade
Thanks to the October trade of receiver Roy Williams, the Lions already own five of the draft's top 82 picks. They could further speed up the rebuilding process by trading out of the No. 1 pick if they determine no player is worthy of that slot.

A quarterback has been involved the last two times the No. 1 pick has been traded. In 2004, San Diego moved down three spots in the draft so the New York Giants could have Eli Manning. For doing so, the Chargers received third- and fifth-round picks in 2004 and the Giants' first-round pick in 2005.

In 2001, the Chargers moved down four spots in the draft so that Atlanta could grab Vick. San Diego received kick returner Tim Dwight, a third-round pick in 2001 and a second-round pick in 2002 for its trouble.

So it stands to reason that the Lions' best hope for a trade is if another team falls in love with Stafford and is willing to pursue him aggressively.

With any luck, it's an option the Lions won't have to make again for a long time.

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

Simms

It's nice that Tennessee officials have told quarterback Chris Simms they want him back in 2009. But it would be surprising if he re-signs with the Titans without first testing the free-agent market, where the Chicago Bears and other teams might be waiting with interest.

It's possible Simms knows something about the Titans' personnel plans that we don't. But as it stands now -- Tennessee is trying to re-sign starter Kerry Collins and has no plans to move backup Vince Young -- Simms would be no better than the No. 3 quarterback in Nashville. That might be his ultimate lot for 2009, but he doesn't need to be in a rush to be anyone's No. 3 quarterback.

No one knows for sure if the Bears would pursue Simms if he was available. But he fits the profile general manager Jerry Angelo is looking for as a backup/possible challenger to Kyle Orton: A veteran player with starting experience.

You would thinks Simms would at least test the market next month before deciding to return to Tennessee.

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

The Green Bay Packers have two young players whose contracts will expire at the end of the 2009 season. They have more than $20 million in salary cap space and less than a week before the NFL deadline for using 2008 cap money on future contracts.

But at least one of those players, receiver Greg Jennings, isn't interested in completing an in-season agreement. Jennings told Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he wants no distractions at such a critical point in the season.

"My thought process is that even if there is something out there, I don't want to do anything until after the season," Jennings said. "I don't want to mess with it. I'm going to wait. If it were to happen this season, it would happen at the end of the season. It definitely won't happen right now."

There is no evidence the Packers have initiated substantive discussions with either Jennings or quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose contract also expires after 2009. There is certainly no rush, and at this point it appears both players want to re-sign eventually. It just won't happen in the next week, in all likelihood.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• You figured this was coming. Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette looks at the benefits Tennessee has garnered from having a veteran backup quarterback behind opening day starter Vince Young. Kerry Collins has the Titans undefeated, while the Packers have to keep their fingers crossed that rookie backup Matt Flynn remains on the sidelines.
• Chicago coach Lovie Smith has been open about his support for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, but Smith went out of his way to let reporters know he has already voted for him. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times explains.
• Bob LeGere of the Daily Herald doesn't think Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) will play this week. Instead, Nick Roach is the likely starter.
• David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune wonders if the Bears should move one of their three cornerbacks -- Charles Tillman, Nate Vasher and Corey Graham -- to safety in the long term.
• Minnesota's special teams, which have allowed five touchdowns this season, will face a stiff test against Houston's Jacoby Jones on Sunday. Jones has two touchdowns on punt returns. Judd Zulgad and Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune lay out the situation.
• Vikings defensive end Jared Allen used the bye week to have his driver's license restored in Arizona, where it was revoked because of legal entanglements. Allen tells the story in his St. Paul Pioneer Press diary.
• Detroit doesn't have a ton of talent on defense, but even their best tackler -- linebacker Ernie Sims -- is struggling. Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press has the story.
• John Niyo of the Detroit News pokes fun at the "Drew Stanton crowd," which learned Thursday that Lions offensive coordinator Jim Colletto won't play Stanton because he doesn't want to embarrass him.